Our Team
Curtis Dean | Email Curtis
Co-Founder, Executive Director
Curtis has been involved in community broadband since the late 1990s. He is passionate about the benefits that invariably are derived from the accountability provided when local needs are front and center, whether in public or private partnerships.
Curtis holds a Bachelor of Arts from Buena Vista University and an Executive Master of Public Administration from the University of South Dakota. He knows the words to just about every popular song released since 1980 and still occasionally DJs events in Central Iowa for fun. He is also president of SmartSource Consulting, which provides support for community-focused broadband providers from planning through implementation.
Jon Willow | Email Jon
Co-Founder, CBAN Corp. (Nonprofit) Board Chair, Digital Equity Practice Leader
Jon Willow is committed to digital equity for every person. Throughout her career, she has worked with state and local governments and policy-making bodies in various capacities to improve the quality of life for every person. She has extensive experience supporting utilities in their efforts to connect with their communities, manage crisis communications, and make informed, data-driven business decisions. A successful serial entrepreneur, Jon has also worked extensively in economic development and as a startup coach and mentor.
Jon holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Iowa. An advocate for all pollinators, she is a community beekeeping instructor, and raises bees and chickens on her small acreage in northern Michigan. In her abundant free time, Jon is studying for her Master Beekeeper certificate from Cornell University.
Todd Kielkopf | Email Todd
Co-Founder, CBAN Corp. (Nonprofit) Board Treasurer, CBAN Solutions Practice Leader
Through Kielkopf Advisory Services, Todd advises utilities, organizations, communities, and startups on business formation, strategic development phases, economic development, and financial matters. He brings his passion for innovation to CBAN.
Todd holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Northern Iowa and a Masters of Science in Business Administration from Iowa State University. He teaches business and entrepreneurship courses at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa.
Allison Ruhl | Email Allison
Digital Navigator
Allison is a graduate of North Dakota State University, with a B.S. in Family Science. A career public servant, Allison provides digital equity support right in her home community of Southwest Iowa with dedication and compassion. When not busy with her children's activities, she enjoys refinishing antique furniture and working on landscape projects.